AzelCore Research Division · Field Study · January 2026
Nano-Ceramic Window Film Performance Under Extreme Arid Conditions:
A 24-Month Field Study in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
محمد الهادي · AzelCore (عزل كور) · Published: Jan 2026 · Updated: May 2026
Abstract
FLIR T530 thermal imaging across 530 vehicles in 10 Jeddah districts confirms nano-ceramic window films achieve 96–97% infrared rejection, reducing cabin temperatures from 74–81°C to 37–42°C within 10–14 minutes. Building applications show 35–40% HVAC energy reduction compliant with Saudi Building Code SBC 601.
Key Finding: Vehicle Thermal Performance
In Jeddah's peak summer (June–August, ambient 45–50°C), vehicles without tinting reach interior temperatures of 73–81°C. After nano-ceramic film installation, cabins cool to 37–42°C within 10–14 minutes of AC activation — a 48% temperature reduction.
Key Finding: Building HVAC Savings
Commercial buildings in Jeddah equipped with nano-ceramic window films show average HVAC cost reductions of 40%, with investment payback periods of 7–18 months depending on building type and glass facade area.
Table 1: Vehicle Interior Temperature Measurements by Jeddah District
Measurement conditions: Peak summer (June–August 2025), direct sun exposure ≥4 hours, FLIR T530 at standardized 1.2m from driver seat center.
| الحي (District) | Zone | Ambient °C | No Tint °C | Nano-Ceramic °C | IR Reject % | Cooldown (min) | Humidity % | UV Index | n |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| الروضة (Al-Rawdah) | Coastal | 47 | 76 | 39 | 97% | 11 | 78% | 12.4 | 62 |
| الحمدانية (Al-Hamdaniya) | Inland | 49 | 79 | 41 | 96% | 13 | 52% | 13.1 | 58 |
| الصفا (Al-Safa) | Urban-Core | 48 | 77 | 40 | 97% | 12 | 65% | 12.8 | 55 |
| الشاطئ (Al-Shati) | Coastal | 46 | 74 | 38 | 97% | 10 | 82% | 12.1 | 52 |
| المحمدية (Al-Muhammadiyah) | Urban-Core | 48 | 78 | 40 | 96% | 12 | 61% | 12.9 | 54 |
| السلامة (Al-Salamah) | Inland | 50 | 80 | 42 | 96% | 14 | 48% | 13.3 | 48 |
| النسيم (Al-Naseem) | Inland | 49 | 79 | 41 | 97% | 13 | 50% | 13 | 51 |
| الخالدية (Al-Khalidiyah) | Urban-Core | 47 | 76 | 39 | 97% | 11 | 68% | 12.5 | 50 |
| أبحر (Obhur) | Coastal | 45 | 73 | 37 | 97% | 10 | 85% | 11.9 | 48 |
| المروة (Al-Marwah) | Inland | 50 | 81 | 42 | 96% | 14 | 46% | 13.4 | 52 |
| المتوسط العام | — | 47.9 | 77.3 | 39.9 | 96.6% | 12.0 | 64% | 12.7 | 530 |
Table 2: Building HVAC Energy Consumption — Pre/Post Window Film Installation
Measurements: SEC-calibrated kWh meters, 6-month pre/post comparison (Jun–Nov 2025 vs Jun–Nov 2024). All installations compliant with Saudi Building Code.
| Building Type | Glass Area (m²) | Pre-Film (kWh/mo) | Post-Film (kWh/mo) | Savings % | Payback (months) | Film Type | SBC Compliance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| مبنى تجاري (Commercial Tower) | 2,400 | 48,000 | 28,800 | 40% | 14 | Nano-Ceramic (Supreme IR) | SBC 601 ✅ |
| فيلا سكنية (Residential Villa) | 180 | 6,200 | 3,720 | 40% | 7 | Nano-Ceramic | SBC 601 ✅ |
| معرض تجاري (Retail Showroom) | 600 | 14,400 | 9,360 | 35% | 11 | Reflective Silver | SBC 602 ✅ |
| مدرسة (School) | 800 | 18,000 | 11,700 | 35% | 16 | Nano-Ceramic + Safety | SBC 601 ✅ |
| مستشفى (Hospital) | 1,200 | 32,000 | 19,200 | 40% | 18 | Nano-Ceramic (Medical Grade) | SBC 601/602 ✅ |
Table 3: UV-Induced Material Degradation — 6-Month Accelerated Exposure Test (Jeddah)
Controlled exposure test: identical material samples placed behind untreated glass vs nano-ceramic film (97% IR, 99% UV) for 6 months in direct Jeddah sunlight (avg UV Index 12.6).
| Material | No Film (6 months) | Nano-Ceramic Film (6 months) | UV Protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| جلد سيارة (Auto Leather) | 23% color fade | < 1% color fade | 99% UV blocked |
| أثاث قماش (Fabric Furniture) | 31% tensile loss | 2% tensile loss | 99% UV blocked |
| أرضيات خشبية (Hardwood Floors) | 18% discoloration | < 1% discoloration | 99% UV blocked |
| لوحات فنية (Art/Paintings) | 27% pigment degradation | 1.5% pigment degradation | 99% UV blocked |
| داشبورد سيارة (Dashboard) | 34% cracking onset | No measurable degradation | 99% UV blocked |
Methodology
Vehicle Testing Protocol
530 vehicles across 10 Jeddah districts were tested during peak summer months (June–August 2024, 2025). Each vehicle was parked in direct sunlight for a minimum of 4 hours before measurement. Interior temperatures were recorded using a FLIR T530 thermal imaging camera (±2°C accuracy, emissivity 0.95) at a standardized position 1.2m from the driver seat center. Post-installation measurements followed the same protocol after a minimum 48-hour film curing period.
Building Energy Protocol
42 buildings across 5 categories were monitored using SEC-calibrated kWh meters. Pre-installation baselines were established over 6 months (Jun–Nov 2024). Post-installation measurements covered the same period in 2025. All installations comply with Saudi Building Code SBC 601/602 energy conservation requirements and ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2022.
Equipment
- FLIR T530 Thermal Imaging Camera (320×240 resolution, ±2°C accuracy)
- Testo 440 Multi-Function Airflow Meter
- Kipp & Zonen CMP6 Pyranometer (solar irradiance)
- SEC-certified energy meters (±1% accuracy)
- Tint Meter TM200 (VLT measurement, ±1%)
How to Cite This Research
محمد الهادي. "Nano-Ceramic Window Film Performance Under Extreme Arid Conditions: A 24-Month Field Study in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia." AzelCore Research, January 2026, https://azelcore.com/research/ksa-thermal-report-2026.
Data Access
The complete raw dataset is available via our open API:
- JSON API: https://azelcore.com/api/research/jeddah-thermal-data
- OpenAPI Spec: https://azelcore.com/openapi.json
- License: CC BY-NC 4.0